Overview

This two-sided disc for At Close Range offers viewers the choice between a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and a full-frame transfer. The widescreen transfer works wonderfully to convey the bleak atmosphere of the film. The black levels are very solid, and the colors are well-defined and impressive. This film does show signs of its 1985 release, with its naturalistic look and shady colors, but these things detract only slightly from this nearly blemish-free transfer. The full-frame transfer doesn't provide ...

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Overview

This two-sided disc for At Close Range offers viewers the choice between a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and a full-frame transfer. The widescreen transfer works wonderfully to convey the bleak atmosphere of the film. The black levels are very solid, and the colors are well-defined and impressive. This film does show signs of its 1985 release, with its naturalistic look and shady colors, but these things detract only slightly from this nearly blemish-free transfer. The full-frame transfer doesn't provide nearly the same picture quality or viewing experience. In terms of audio, the Dolby 2.0 transfer stands out as one of the best of its kind. While it fails to match the depth of a true surround experience, a surprising amount of complexity is present anyway. At times, birds are chirping from the far right speaker while the characters speak on the other side. The atmospheric sound is striking and springs from the high quality of this audio track. Once again, an MGM catalog release sadly includes only a theatrical trailer as an extra feature. The trailer comes in the widescreen version, but its transfer is not on the level of the film itself. The onscreen menus do look better than on comparable MGM discs, and the 32 chapter stops provide numerous opportunities for viewing the best individual scenes. But the lack of any significant special features is still a major disappointment.

Special Features

Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide
- Karl Williams

A superbly written and acted film based loosely on real-life events, this intense crime drama is a major artistic success for all concerned, especially stars Christopher Walken and Sean Penn in two of their best roles, as well as screenwriter Nicholas Kazan and director James Foley. The latter's style might strike some viewers as too cool, remote, or austere, but this nearly documentary-like approach allows the cast room to stretch and improvise while slyly emphasizing the picture's similarity to the classic In Cold Blood (1967). However, the film is definitely not a docudrama, the director reminding viewers of the emotionally potent subtext with subtle, symbolic transitions in which such incongruous, attention-getting images as bound chicken talons or singing lips suddenly appear. His is the art of transcending the establishing shot by going for something a little more penetrating. Walken and Penn are marvels of nuance employed in the arts of linguistic inflection and the physicality of inhabiting a character with one's entire body, from the way they laugh to how they walk. (Just watch Penn as he shifts from a cocky swagger that emanates down from his shoulders, moving like nothing so much as a suit buoyed by a massive hanger, to a defeated, slump-shouldered shuffle by the finale). Kazan goes light on dialogue but what's there is charged with unspoken meaning, while visual cues and arresting images tell the story. All of this shows the mark of a great screenwriter enjoying a meeting of the minds with a director who gets it. At Close Range (1986) is one of the best examples of its genre from the 1980s.

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Sean Peen was so hot in At Close Range.

wow he looked amazing in this film. the movie was really good and i liked the Madonna song Live To Tell . this movie was based on a true story wow! amazing is what i have to say. Sean Peem is the best so was Mary Stuart Matreson as his girlfriend. At Close Range a good thriller no a great thriller.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Excellent in all aspects

This is a tremendous movie! Excellent acting all around -- one of my favorite parts for Christopher Walken -- his portrayal is chilling. Sean and Chris Penn are both fantastic, though I actually think Chris had the edge and really captured the younger, less cared-for brother. Mary Stuart Masterson is wonderful. There is nothing negative I can say about this film, except the fact that these tragic events really happened. I saw it in the theatre when it came out, have watched it many times since, and it never fails to move me -- something new will strike at my heart each time -- last time it was the inward fight Sean Penn's character had with himself over the loyalty his father expected from his sons. Just top-notch! James Foley's direction is subtley perfect.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Good

This is not a great movie, but it is real life evil at its best (or worst.) The acting in it is tremendous, with Walken playing the real-life character of Bruce Johnson-an organized crime from a hillbilly family in Pennsylvania. Sean Pean does a great portrayal as a son basking in the light of his father's easy life.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

A pure Gem

"At Close Range" is one of those rare films that's perfect. The acting by Sean Penn and Christopher Walken Is truly magnificent. Director James Foley does an excellent in pacing and drawing great performances from his cast. Also Maddonna's title song is used to great effect. A masterpiece.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Must See!

At Close Range is a great movie. One of Sean Penn's best performances. Its one of those movies you just can't forget.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Walken's Finest Film

Top-notch acting all the way around in this fictionalized account of robbery, rape, and murder in a small Pennsylvania town. Filmed in Franklin, Tennessee, Christopher Walken's performance is nothing short of amazing. Sean Penn's no slouch either and the supporting cast (including Keifer Sutherland) is amazing.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Interested in actual story

I am interested in the actual story. Could you point in the right direction so I can read about it? Thanks

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Accurate to the True Story

I live not far from where this story actually took place in Pennsylvania. My father actually knew the members of the gang and his girlfriend was actually one of the persons killed by the gang. This story really hits close to home for me and I believe it was acurately portrayed. Many people that watch this movie don't know the actual story and knowing the true story made the movie even better. The city at the beginning is supposed to be Oxford, PA. I don't live too far from there and it looks similar to the actual town. I think this movie is great and it is a joy to watch.

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